e up and settled it in
favour of Martin's proposal.

"One long spit, which we can tend better than several small ones, will
then serve the purpose," he observed.

Being hung up close to the fire, our lower garments were soon dried, and
while the swan was cooking we again examined our canoe. So extensive
was the rent that we found it would be necessary to sew on a piece of
birch-bark, and then to cover the seams over with gum. We fortunately
found some fibre which would answer the purpose of thread. The
operation of sewing in the piece was a long one, as every hole had to be
carefully made and the fibre passed through it and secured; the only
tool we had to work with being a small pricker from Alick's
pocket-knife.

Robin had remained by the fire to tend the roasting of the swan, and as
we worked away we every now and then shouted to him to know how the swan
was getting on.

"Pretty well," he answered, "but it would be all the better for basting,
as it seems to dry very fast, and has somewhat of a fishy odour."

"We must not be particular," said Alick; "and the sooner you can manage
to get it done the better, for I am sharp set, and so, I am sure, are
Martin and David."

"The scent has taken off my appetite," said Robin, as he continued to
turn the spit.

We at last got the piece of bark sewn on, and had then to heat the gum
which Alick had collected. It required a good quantity, as it was not
equal to what we had before obtained. We were rather afraid that it
would fall out and allow the canoe to leak.

By the time we had accomplished part of our task Robin announced that
the swan was cooked, and as we found it difficult to labour by the light
of the fire, we put off finishing the repairs of the canoe till the next
morning. With appetites ravenous from long fasting we sat down round
the fire to eat the swan. It had the advantage of being hot, but
possessed no other commendable quality, being somewhat tough and of a
strong flavour; still it completely satisfied our hunger, and Bouncer,
at all events, made no objection to the portion we gave him. He had
been much more quiet than usual, having stretched himself by Robin's
side, and remained in that position till he got up to eat his supper.
He seemed much better after it, though he still limped when he attempted
to walk, and his nose showed the scars which the swan's beak had made on
it. Had he been capable of any feeling of revenge, it would have
affor